Straight line block molding machine



April 22, 1952 C. K. BROWN, JR

Filed Dec. 311 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 II I II I o 99\ 98 l sr 88\ I E fi II D u I 84\ 202 20/ 94 11 I00 87 FIG.

INVENTOR. 7 CHARLES KEPLER BROWN JR.

ATTORNEY April 22, 1952 c. K. BROWN, JR 2,593,409

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 31, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

CHARLES KEP'LER mow/v JR.

April 22, 1952 c. K. BROWN, JR 2,593,409

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. :51, 1948 Y s Sheets-Sheet a FIG. 4.

INVENTOR. CHARLES KEPLER BROWN JR wmo/ zm.

April 22, 1952 c. K. BROWN, JR 2,593,409

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 31, 1948 a Sheets-Sheet 4 lg? FIG. 6.

FIG]

INVENTOR. 8 KEPLER BROWN JR wmww ATTORNEY April 22, 1952 c. K. BROWN, JR 2,593,409

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 31, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. CHARLES KEPLER BROWN JR.

April 22, 1952 c. K. BROWN, JR

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOL DING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6' Filed Dec. 31, 1948 April 22, 1952 C. K. BROWN, JR

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 51, 1948 INVENTOR. CHARLES KEPLER BROWN JR BMW )7.

ATTORNEY April Filed 1952 I c. K. BROWN, JR 2,593,409

STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Dec. :51, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet s V 50/ *(Q J -a0 7 L T J YET j fi t:

(Chi- Tr 80 I I X w I59 :49 F 2 0 42 J FIG. 20. k 50 INVENTOR.

CHARLES KEPLE'R BROWN 1/.7.

mfm

ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 22, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STRAIGHT LINE BLOCK MOLDING MACHINE Application December 31, 1948, Serial No. 68,603

Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacturing of building materials and especially to equipment for molding blocks and bricks of cemented materials, or aggregates.

There are at the present time, a number of concrete block machines made and used commercially for heavy or large scale production. Such machines require considerable attention and are limited in their capacity to the molding of one block at a time. In doing this Work, the noise during production is excessive and places the employees under heavy physical or nervous stresses that affect their health and comfort. The production is intermittent since the cycle of events have to be begun and continued through completely every time a block is molded before another is started. Further the mechanisms usually employed include gears, sprockets and chains that are subject to considerable wear and tear, as well as repairs, because they are readily covered by the spilled materials used for making the blocks that damage them. This involves a large proportion of shut-downs and expensive replacements. In this invention, the machine is capable of continuously molding blocks in plural quantities at a rapid rate, without waste of time. While one set of blocks is being removed after molding, another set is being molded in the machine. Instead of requiring an entire cycle for the molding of a single set of blocks, two or more sets are made at the same time, sequentially to one another in the same period. The use of mechanisms that are simple in structure, cheap to manufacture, and commonly available, is an important item in the construction of this invention, and enables wornout units to be readily replaced at low cost and inappr'eciable interruption. The machine is adjustable in'many of its parts to permit a considerable degree of accuracy to be obtained in the contours of the blocks, as well as flexibility in the use of materials in the aggregate. It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved building block or brick machine that will avoid one or more of the disadvantages and limitations of the previous types of machines used for this purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved block or brick machine that will mold blocks or the like, continuously from aggregates. I A further object of the invention is to provide a new improved block machine that will be effective in its work, relatively economical to manufacture, inexpensive to maintain, and having ex: ceptional and continuous molding capacity.

An additional object of the herein invention, is to provide a new and improved block machine that will have unusual facilities for adjusting the machine in its operation, in its use of aggregates, and to the design and the ultimate form of the article molded therein.

A still further object is to provide a machine that will allow its molds to be easily and quickly removed.

A still further object is to avoid the use of" pressure mechanism to compact the aggregate together, while vibration continues after excess aggregate has been scraped off of mold box.

Other features and objects of the invention will be evident as it is more fully described.

For a better understanding of the invention, its principles and objects, reference is made to the appended drawings, which illustrate a particular form of the invention, by way of example, not of limitation. These drawings in conjunction with this specification outline a construction that is preferred at the moment, and is used for the molding of concrete blocks of conventional form, but could be conveniently and simplymodified by changing the mold unit of the device to make bricks, and other articles of value in which the aggregate could be molded into and desirably employed. Therefore in referring to blocks in the specifications, it is intended to include such bricks and articles broadly. The adjustments provided in the machine enable it to adapt its operation to suit the different requirements of the materials used and the form of the product. The claims. emphasize the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is an end elevation of a block machine embodying this invention, viewing it from an operators area of stand, with the leveling head plate in lowered position; 1

Figure 2 is a side elevation and section taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1;

' Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 13-''3 of Figure 2 and primarily indicates theconstruction of the aggregate feed drawer; I I

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the machine at the valve control side;

Figure 5 is a sectional plan taken on line 5 -5 of Figure 2 indicating the general construction of mechanism Of the feed drawer;

Figure 6 is a partial section view in elevation through the clutch used with this embodiment;

Figure 7 is a detail of a portion of the machine in elevation indicating the clutch shifting mechanism taken on line 1-1 of Figure 5; I

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail of the hydraulic valve control used in this embodiment;

Figure 9 is a sectional elevation taken through the valve control on line 99 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a sectional elevation taken on line I0--I0 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a detail of the block shifter mechanism, used in this embodiment;

Figure '12 is a sectional view taken on line I2I2 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken on line I3I3 of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a sectional plan view taken on line I4I4 of Figure 11;

Figure 15 is a detail of the agitator me'chanism used in this machine;

Figure 16 is a sectional detail in elevation taken on line I6-I 6 of Figure 15; 7

Figure 1'7 is a sectional view through agitator assembled drawer and taken along line I'I-I'I of Figure 16; e

Figure .18 is a sectional view through the cam n'iecl'iafnisr'n for operating the agitators taken along line 'I8I8 of Figure 15;

Figure 19 'is a side elevation showing the "valve operating mechanism connected with the control valve, and

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic system used in this invention.

Similar reference numerals pertain to the same parts throughout the drawings.

c In the particular construction illustrated inthe drawings, a block machine for manufacturing cement blocks is indicated. This machine consists of a framework I0 of structural type substantially made to carry the loads on its parts, the vibrations and stresses incurred in its use and the weight of materials used in production. In the upper portion of the frame I0, a hopper or bin II 'is carried to hold the aggregate 32 to be used for the blocks and supplying it as needed to the molds of the machine. This hopper has slanting sides that terminate in a rectangular throat I2 to facilitate the fiow of materials.

This throat is interiorly formed for easy and continuous delivery of aggregate through it, and is sized to fit over the open reciprocating receptorfor drawer I3. This receptor or drawer is of the capacity needed for the blocks to be made 'at 'a time. In this instance it is double ended'and of suflicient capacity for the filling and making of two sets of blocks at a time. Partitions I 4 serve to separate the receptor or drawer l3 intotwocompartments I5 for this purpose This receptor or drawer or feed transfer hopper I3, has its top surface closely aligned with the bottom surface of the throat I2, so it can be readily slid and reciprocated under it, whether filled or unfilled. The partitions I4 space the compartments I5 in the receptor or drawer I3 sufliciently to allow one compartment to be under the throat I2 at the middle while the other is aligned over the mold hole I6 below which the mold I1 is situated. at one side of the framework. In other words while one compartment I5 is being filled at the centrally located throat I2 of the hopper II, the other compartment I5 is laterally located over the selected mold hole I6 dumping the aggregate through it into the left hand mold II. By reciprocating the receptor I3 01' drawer in the opposite direction, the process is reversed, that is, the throat I2 fillsthe compartment I5 that was previously dumping, while the other compartment I5 is being emptied into right hand mold II. The receptor or drawer I3 slides over'a platform I8 mounted horizontally on the frame, which 'is closed over, "under the throat I2 and open at I0 above the molds I1. The feed drawer I3 is supported by and runs on rollers 20I positioned in channels 202. This permits the receptor or drawer I3, which is open at the bottom, to slide along the platform and discharge its contents into the molds II, when aligned with them individually. Cylinders 2I at each side of the receptor or drawer I3 are so connected to its sides and the framework, that the operation of the piston rods 22, can alternately reciprocate the receptor or drawer I3 to the two dumping and filling positions located on the .platform I8. The material in the molds I1 is packed and tnolded into an adhesive shape or block under a high speed vibrating action. The vibrators are the more essential mechanism of the vibrator system.

The operation of the vibrators of the vibrator system is dependent on the alternate positioning of the clutch II5. This clutch H5 is indicated in Figures 5, 6 and 7, and is attached to an eyebolt IIB attached to an oscillator bar II'I pivoted at I I8 on the frame I0 of the machine. The eyebolt H3 is adjustably bolted to a fiat spring II9 curved downwardly at the ends and arranged for attachment to the housing plates I20 and I54 which support brake bands I26 and I2! respectively. The housing plates are attached to the spring II9 by spacers I5I and bolts I52. The housing plates I20 and I54 are supported by a C bracket which is attached to the framework I0. The motor I22 is supported on the framework I0, and the motor shaftl23 supports a spool I2I which rotates with it. Pulleys I24 and I44 are loosely mounted on the spool HI and are driven by it at predetermined intervals and in a manner to be explained later. The discs I are provided with brake bands I26 and I2! to contact the sides of the pulleys I24 and I44 and alternately stop them against rotation. The inside of the shoulders of the spool I2I are provided with drive bands I3I and I32 to contact and drive first one pulley I24 and then the pulley I44, depending on whether the action of the oscillator b-ar III through the eye-bolt IIIi raises or lowers the housing I20 and causes its drive brake bands I3I and I32 to drive its respective pulley while the other pulley is held against rotation by its respective brake band. The pulleys I24 and I44 are provided with belts I25 and MI that operate pulleys I46 and I4! attached to vibrators 33 independently of each other. The vibrators 33 consist of rotating off-center weights, the rotation of which at high speed produces a rotary reaction which transmits a vibration to the vibrator frame 20 and mold I! and packs the material in the molds. When the drawer I3 is moved in the right hand direction as shown in Figure 7 its roller I45 contacts the cam face I42 on the oscillator bar II! causing the eye-bolt IIB to be lowered and press the pulley I44 against the drive band I32 and be rotated thereby to drive the belt I4I andpulley I41 and cause the vibrator 33 to shake down and pack the right hand compartment shown in Figure 7. When the drawer is shifted to the left, the roller I48 contacts the cam face I43 and depresses it suiiiciently to-ra'ise the eye-bolt -I I0 and presses the brake band I21 against the pulley I44 and stops its rotation, and forces the pulley I24 against the drive band I3I to rotate the pulley I24 and through its belt I25 drives the pulley I46 and causes the vibrator 33 to shake down and pack the left hand compartment, 'also shown in Figure 7. The vibrator "frame 201s mounted "on four vertical spring steel rods I38 that allow horizontal vibration only and holds the vibrator frame 20 and molds perfectly level for finishing the blocks under pressure as well as for removing the blocks out of the mold. The vibrator frame 26 is formed by a channel member |66 bent into a U form to which are welded plates |6l that act as supports for a channel member I68 which can be removed so the mold I! can be removed from the front or top of the vibrator frame.

In order to break up the aggregate as it fills the molds I! from the compartment l5, agitating means are used. This means consists of an agitator grid 23. This grid is suspended in the middle portion of the compartment |5 from a link 24 on a shaft 25 journalled on the side wall of the receptor or drawer |3. The shaft extends from the interior to the outside of the receptor or drawer, where a rocker arm 26 is rigidly attached to it. This rocker arm 26 is so placed that the receptor or drawer in its travel and stoppage at the mold I! will be operated by the contact of a cam wheel 21 against it while discharging the aggregate into one of the molds H. A roller 28 on the arm 26 takes up the contact directly and resiliently and facilitates the action of the cam. The cam 21 is mounted on a shaft 29, journalled on the frame |0,'that is rotated through the use of a pulley 30 attached thereto. As the cam wheel 21 intermittently strikes the roller 28, it causes the agitator grid 23, to bounce up and down. This stirs up and feeds the aggregate 32 and eliminates any lumps that might have existed in it during its travel in to the mold H. The upper portion of the receptor or drawer |3 has a plate 3| over the partitions |4 that closes the space in between against the entrance or aggregate therein. The plate 3| is slightly overextended to afford a sharp cut-off to the receptor or drawer l3 as it passes under the throat |2. This also partially diverts the aggregate 32 so it will not slide down on the front and back walls of the receptor or drawer l3 and tend to stick there. The size of the compartments I5 is determined by the amount of aggregate in excess to that required to fill the block molds |I accurately.

The agitator grid 23 is operated in one com- I partment only at a time, and that is the specific compartment discharging the. aggregate. The agitator grid 23 in the other compartment |5 is stopped. Also a vibrator 33 beats continuously against the corner of the mold box 20 as the receptor registers its opening l9 over the proper mold IT. This vibrator 33 is mounted at a corner and shakes the sides or walls of the mold'box at this location and makes it settle all aggregate that may be in the mold so it will fill it completely and solidly. The rocker arm 26 in each instance is biased in an angular portion on the receptor by a coil spring 34 which is resilient to pressure. When the receptor or drawer I3 is moved over so that one compartment I5 is aligned with the throat |2 at the middle, it will bring its roller 28 adjacent the other compartment |5 in the line of action of the wheel cam 21 at the side of the machine. Since the pulleys 30 are operated from a power pulley 35 on its shaft 36 from a motor 31, they actuate the agitator grid rapidly, through the striking actions between the cam 21 and roller 28, when the receptor or drawer l3 aligns them with each other. The pulleys 36 and 35 are connected with each other by belts 38, as indicated in Figure 15-, so they operate together.

The motor 31 is fastened to the lower portion of the frame and mounted with its shaft 29 in a horizontal plane. The shaft 29 also operates a hydraulic pump 48 by a belt 39 and pulley 35, because its speed of rotation may be different from that required for the agitators. The pump 40 supplies the .necessary volume and pressure of oil used to work the hydraulic system of the machine. The oil circulates in the system under the guidance of a rotary port control valve 42, fed by piping from the pump 40, and flowing out through the piping 43 and 44 alternately to the receptor or drawer shift cylinder 2| and then later through pipes 45 and 46 to the lift cylinders 41. The piping 46 and 48 from the same valve are reliefs leading back the triangular shaped hydraulic tank 50 which holds the supply of oil necessary to feed the system. The pump 40 :takes its supply of oil from the tank 56 through the piping 49, and circulates it as required and as the rotary port control valve 42 permits. The pistons in the cylinders 2| are returned to normal positions by reversing the pressure through the valve 42. The cylinders 41 return to starting point when valve 42 is moved to neutral and allows oil to drain back to tank 56. The control valve consists of a stationary outer shell 5| arranged with various ports connecting through the central rotating body 52 having passages therethrough for guiding the hydraulic fluid coming from the pump 49 to the various cylinders, 2|, and 41. The ports are termed respectively, the right handshift 53; the left hand shift 54, the left hand lift 55, the right hand lift 56. The passages in the body 52 are termed input pressure 51 and neutral outputs 58. The body 52 is rotatable with a shaft 59 in the shell 5|, which is stationary and rigidly secured to the frame I0 at platform level. The shaft 59 extends outwardly into a ratchet wheel 60, having six teeth 6|, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66, as well as through an indicator member 61 of arrow form which points to the pipe used. The'teeth are engaged sequentially by a pawl 68 lifted ,by arm |6| on which it is mounted, so asto propel the ratchet wheel 60 clockwise one tooth distance at a time, and then slide back resiliently to'its "normal catching position, the action being facilitated by a spring 7|. The bell crank 69 is part of an arm |6| and oscillates on shaft 53. .The

arm |6| is also pinned to a reciprocating control bar 10 at 73 mounted exteriorly on the frame Ill. The movement of the ratchet wheel 66 is controlled in single step advancements'by the plunger 14 working in'a cylinder 75 and resilient ly pressed against the angular fiat side 16' of the ratchet 69. The cylinder 15 is rigidly attached to the shell 5| of the valve. When the valve control bar 10 is pulled to the right,-.the pawl 68 skips over the teeth of the ratchet 60 and does not move the valve 42. When the bar 10 returns to its original position at the left hand under the tension of a coil spring ll attached to it and the frame ID, the pawl 68 moves the valve 42 one step forward. The bar 10 is made adjustable in length by means of a coupling joint 18 of suitable form. The horizontal bar 10 is loosely suspended at the side of the frame at each end on loose pins 19 to the lower ends of vertical links 88. The links 88 are oscillatably attached at their upper ends to the frame ||l on pins 8|. Handles 82 extend out at, right angles to the links so as to be accessible to the users 7 of the machine at both sides. They are placed low down in the links 80, ata level convenient'for handling. :Also mounted on the frame in adjacent to the links 80 are the automatic valve operating mechanisms H3. The automatic valve operating mechanisms are employed to operate the valve into the lift position when roller Bil-I drops down, and then into neutral again "as the pressure head to which roller -50I is attached is raised up to itscocked or holding position. The handle .19 is then operated to start the drawer 3 moving to the other 'end of the machine and as it reaches the other end one of the dogs IG-I or 162 'on'feed drawer operates a catch holding up :the pressure head over the mold just filled,

this allows pressure head to :fall on the top'of the filled mold and roller 50I to which it is attached then operates the valve into lift position for same end and as the cylinder reaches the top of its stroke-roller 5131 again operates and indexes the valve :into the opposite neutral position.

The :lift cylinders 47 have a very important .functionin the operation of the machine. They individually operate on their own side of the machine, separately, and through their pistons and piston rods I59, cause each lifting bracket toreciprocate in a vertical plane. The bracket'comprises "a large cross-arm 83 extending between the vertical channel columns 84 of theframe I and running between them in its travel. When the valve 42 opens the port leading to the said cylinder "41 the hydraulic pressure is on. lItthen raises the left hand piston rod I59 with the bracket cross-"arm 83 so it travels vertically upwards in the framework It. The latter by means of channels 84 guides it straight. This cros arm 83 has'bolt-like rods 83 extending vertically belowit, and they in turn are secured at the bottom of the frame I9 to a movable cross-plate 89., transversely located under the mold box 20. Posts 90 projecting upwardly from the cross plate 89 are long enough to pass through passages 9I in the mold-box when raised and in dothe :so contact the pallets 92 which are placed therein for the blocks to be molded thereon. These posts 90 are lifted when the cross-arm S3 is propelled upwardly by the cylinder el and rods 88. However as'the rec'eptor I3 is moved out of 'alignmentwith one of the molds ll and before the posts pass into the mold box, to raise the .mold, a trip mechanism 93 attached to hook links 94, operates and releases a heavy fiat head plate 95 and incidental mechanism so it falls directlydown on the top surface of the aggregate with considerable force, and packs the aggregate solidlyin the mold box as well as smoothing over the top of the block sharply. After this :is accomplished, the posts 98 are started and slowly continue upwardly to engage the pallets 92 and raise them up with the molded aggregate on them, throughand above the moldbox. Th pallets 92 do notmove until the head plate 95 has moved about 2 inches up and :off the mold box. The iheadplate '95 is guided by -a bracket 81 as it slides on rods 89 and by its vertical columns 96 as they pass through the cross arm 83 in the frame, as itscross head 9'! is raised by the cross-arm 83 acted upon by the piston rods I59. 'The crosshead 9? issuspended from a cl'evis 98 at the top of the fram I0, by

duplex toggle links 99. When these toggle links 99 are down they assume a position almost straight but not quite. This is done to prevent their being on dead center in thatposition, and

hard to operate at the start of the raising po s'ition. When in raised position, the links 99 extend but in V-form laterally. This leaves the clevis 98 in the same location and avoids #raising it, when the cross head 91 moves upwards. The 'headplate and its entire mechanism held in its uppermost position when raised to it, :by the engagement of the hook links 94 under :the lugs I00 projecting from the headpla'te 95 :as indicated. The lugs tIIlIl are wedge-like so as to press out the hook :links 94 against the resiliency of a spring IOI acting on them, when the lugs are raised, and at the proper point spring back and catch them. These "hook links '94 are tripped at the .proper time by the "movable bar I39 to let the .headplate 95 fall, again. This movable bar I39 ties the inside =hook ;links 94 for each :headplate together so only (one plate can *drop at one time. The movable :bar I39 has a projection which contacts lugs 1:61 or IE2 positioned on the wall of Ifeed drawer I-3 and moves the bar I39 by the movement of the receptor I3 in either direction, and the headplate is dropped.

'When the blocks on the pallets 92 are raised above platform level, the cross plate 89 brings a projecting element I02, that extends over and trips -a member 103. This releases the table mechanism I04 and allows the heavy coil spring I05 to pull'on the bars I06, and move the block receiving shelf 109 in under the :pallets. The shelf I99consists of a hat plate with one end attached to the carriage I:I:0 with supporting wheels 1 65 riding on rails III on the structure. The shelf I99 isso arranged that one of its ends is free and extending over, asshown. The movement of the shelf is quick and powerful. The posts '90 that raise the pallets 92 are arranged so they will not interfere with the placingof the shelf underneath the Ipallets. Also the pallets are held above the mold boxso they will not move injuriously as this action is taking .place, as the shelf slides below the pallet without touching it in its placement. After the shelf is located .ungler the block's just molded, the hydraulic valve '42 is moved an additional notch into neutral'position, startingthe cylinder 4'Ijin reverse or flowering position. As the cross plates 891s lowered by this action, the pallets 92 are restedwith the blocks on them, on the shelf I09. Then continuing further, the projecting element I02 is operated so its wheel I19 will 'bear on i the wedge III to force the member I03 and bar I06 remove the carriage back to its starting point against the tension of the spring 'I 05 "and bring the table outwardly from the frame I0 with the blocks accessible for removal. When the shelfis brought back to the starting "position it is caught by the catch I I3 and held there. While "this is going on, the aggregate is being fed'in'the'second mold at the right of the machine, with the agitator bouncing up "and down "inthe receptor, 'and'th'e vibrator shaking the vibrator frame and mold 11, followed by the procedure already previously given in the "left "hand mechanisms. The catch 3 comprises a bar I75 which is attached "to the carriage 'llli at one 'end'and is attach'edfto a roller I16 and tehsioned b'y a spring 111. The rails III are 'cut'back at I78 to hold the wheel I16 binding at I18 through the action of spring Ill. The operation of the machine is character* ized by two classes of functions, one being that due to the hydraulicor propelling system, while the second is the meehanical or material 'condi= tioning system. Both are important "to the resuits to be attained.

The hydraulic system causes the receptor or drawer I3 to move into its different positions on the platform such as that of receiving the aggregate, moving it to the mold, and then discharging it into the latter. This is accomplished in the particular structure indicated in the drawings, by the cylinders and their piston rod attachments. Two cylinders 2| are used, one being attached to and acting on each side of the receptor or drawer l3 so the latter will receive a balanced push to make it travel straight. To make the cylinders 2| operate, the user, moves the control bar 10 so that the ratchet 60 'will move it forward one notch and open the valve 42 between the pump piping 45 and the feed piping 43 to the cylinders 2|. Both cylinders 2| work in unison and push the receptor |3 over to the left side of the machine, and firmly keep it there. This allows the receptor l3 to discharge its load of aggregate out of its left compartment 5' through the opening l9'into the mold below. While this is being done, the agitator grid 23 in it is rapidly hopping up and down in among the aggregate and promotes its discharge.

Also the vibrator 33 on the corner of the vibrator frame 20 is rapidly vibrating the latter on its rods I38 and causing the aggregate to settle quickly and effectively in themold H, on the pallet underneath the aggregate, in the bottom of the mold. When this has proceeded long enough, which is varied to suit, the user pushes the control bar so it will advance the valve another notch and connect the piping so the hydraulic pressure will act to shift the drawer back to the center where it is refilled. As the drawer is shifted it releases the links 94 and drops the plate 95 to compress the aggregate in the mold; the control bar 10 moves the valve another notch so the hydraulic pressure will act on the lift cylinder 41. When this occurs, the cylinder 41 moves its piston and cross arm 83 upwardly and contactsthe cross arm 91 and raises the head plate 95 through its rods 96 until the lugs. I00 are caught by catches 84, and remain in this position until released in the next cycle. When the plate is at its top position it will be two inches above the top of the finished block. The headplate 95 when released falls with considerable force on the aggregate in the mold I! and packs it, as well as finishes off the top surface of the block with a sharp contour, leaving room for the molded blocks just made to be raised to the level of the platform I8 on their pallets 92 without touching the plates. Just after this has been done, the mechanism of the cross plate 89 moves the projecting element [32 and tilts it on its fulcrum pin I80. The element I02 moves the other member I33 and bar )6 so that they carry the carriage I I0 towards the blocks and place the shelf [09 under their pallets 92, against the tension of the spring I05. As the pressure head plate 95 is raised until its cooked or holding po sition is reached, projecting roller 50| operates valve indexing mechanism attachment I I3, operating arm 80 and link." simultaneously to index valve 42 to neutral, allowing the oil to drain-out of cylinder 4'! and lift mechanisms 89 and 90 to return to normal. As 89 and 90 return to normal pallets 92 containing molded blocks are deposited on shelf I09 which has darted in under the block the instant they cleared the mold. The continuing settling of frame 89 operates projecting arm I02 which in turn operates arm I33 returning carriage and shelf assembly to its normal position with the block away from the machine.

After that the operator on the other side of the frame inserts pallet 92 and pulls the control bar 10 and continues the operation from his side in a similar manner. The first operator removes the blocks to a truck so they can'be carried to the steam room and although he can during this period pay no attention to the machine, the latter is working for him filling the compartment l5 that afterwards supplies the mold on his side.

Some of the features of this invention, include its capacity to turn out blocks or articles of aggregate continuously, and do so quickly and well. It is practically-foolproof. Its use of power is economical, and its construction compact. It avoids the use of pressure mechanism to mold .the blocks. The sequence of operation does not depend on the judgment of the worker but on the automatic operation of its elements. The machine is symmetrically arranged so that the operators will be out of each others way although handy to the parts over which they have control. While several workers actuate the machine, they do not interfere with each'other, as they are safeguarded against the wrong manipulation of the main valve on which the operation of the machine depends. However each worker is kept busy attending to the work that he has to do in moving blocks etc., as needed, and this work is in such sequence asto require each man to do something not requiring the same operationof the machine. This lessens opportunities or inducements to make each operator try some operation of the machine that would interfere with another workers opera;- tions. Itwill be notedthat adjustments are provided on all parts that can use same apprepr at yg r The particular form of the invention just described pertains to the-employment of a cored pallet. However it is appreciated that an uncored pallet may also be used in the same ma.- chine. To do this :the mechanism for lifting and lowering the mold. box, ismodified in order that the coring of the building block to be made, may be performed fromthe upper end of the mold box instead of fromthe bottom of the box. -In the previous case the cores project upwardly from the bottom, of the boxes can be seen in Fig. 2. In this modified form, there is no bottom plate to the mold box, so in order to have cores, the latter must be suspended from the top of the mold box, and a top plate is formed thereon for the purpose. The top plate of the mold box has holes or openings provided therein disposed on both sides of the cores, to allow the aggregate to be poured in. The box in this instance makes the building block upside down and is lifted off the latter after it is formed. The molded block 'of aggregate is left on a pallet supported on the rods 90, and in uncored, and holds its form sufficiently solid by its inherent adhesion to allow it to be moved from the machine. When the aggregate fills the mold box, the pressure plate is dropped thereon in the previous manner described, and by reason of tampers mounted on its face, strikes the aggregate through the openings and compresses it. The frame 20 is extended at the sides to fit loosely around the rods 88 which are disconnected from the cross plate 89 so that the raising of the rods will bring collars mounted on them into contact with the frame to raise it also. This raises the moldbox off the just-made building block, and enables the uncored pallet with the block on it to be moved off the-machine: Therod's I38 areeliminated in this" modification because they are unnecessary.

Whilebut one'formof the invention is shown in the" drawings: and? described in the specifications; it is not desired to limit this application for patentto" this particular formor in any other way otherwise" than limited by the scope. thereof, as it is appreciated that other forms of construction couldbemade i'il'iat woul'd usethe' same principles andcome within: the scope of the appended claims;

fclaimr' l. A molding machinefor'articles formed from aggregate comprising incombination, a framework, stationaryp-l'atform" horizontally positioned. and? secured. to said. framework. including openi'ngs' therein. for" the." passage of' said; aggregate therethrough; a" receptor sl'idabl'eon said. platform. from one sideto the other and having com 'partments therein open: at the top and bottom fonreceiving' the aggregate at thetopandv discharging it at the hottom-v through said. openings when aligned therewith, means for sliding said receptor'as aforesaid and aligningit at -a predetermined. location for the" placement of the aggre' gate therein and after said placement moving-it fordischarge-as aforesaid, a mold under said platform for the reception of the aggregate from the receptor to form" said articles-'- therein, platen means in the mold for said articles to form on, means for lifting said articles on its. platen out of the mold after their formation therein to the level of saidplatform; means connected with carry the articles from the machine for disposal, means for vibrating the mold astheaggregate is placed therein: for settling and packing. it

therein, without employing mechanical pressure :1

for compacting the aggregate in: the mold, head plates supported insaid" frame, a mechanism. on the receptorfor tripping said head'- plate. so it will fall on the aggregate at a predetermined instant,

said head. plate beingv attached to atoggle HLG1I- anismsupportedby said framework collapsible when raised and opening approximately straight when the headplat'e falls to its: po'sitiorr of striking the mold as aforesaid: whereby the: rebound from said striking will be diminished by the straightness of the toggle mechanism at that instantl 2.- A molding machine forarticl'es formedfrom aggregate comprising in combination, a frame.-

work', stationary platform horizontally positioned Y and secured to said framework including openings therein for the passage of said aggregate therethrough, a receptor slidable on said platform' from one side to the otherand having com partments therein open at the top and bottom same; during aportion of. said movement; and} to carry the articles from the. machine: for, disposal;

, said headplate-beingattached to a toggle mechasaid framework having a shelf thereon movable 'u'ndersaidplaten means and arranged to support a same: during aportion of'said movement and. to

the receptor to form said articles therein, platen 4 means in the mold. for said articles to form on,

means: for lifting said articles. on its platen out of the mold after their formation therein to the under said platen means and arranged to support 1 nism supported by said: framework collapsible when raised and opening approximately straight when; the headplat'e falls to its position of strik ing: the. mold as aforesaid whereby the rebound from said. striking: will be diminished by the straightnessoi the toggle mechanism at that instant, andlsafetymeans. connected. on. the. hydraur he. means. and mounted on. theframeworlc for preventing themanipulationofthe.control there.- of to change the sequence. of. operations. of; the

machine.

31.. A. block: forming machine comprising" a' framework, a main. hopper having; a. discharge throat and. mounted on said framework. ondcontaining, aggregate, a. platform. secured. to. said framework beneath the. main hopper, av feed transfer hopper slidable on. said. platform, said last named hopper having two compartments therein, means.- for automatically reciprocating the feed transfer; hopper. so thatv each compartment thereof. aligns: alternately with. the. dis.- chargethroat of the main hopper to receive aggregate therefrom, a. pair of molds beneath the platform spaced on. each. side of the: vertical axis of. said framework. such distance: that one of said molds is always aligned with one compartment of the feed transfer. hopperto receive the aggregate. therefromv while the other. compartment is aligned. with the; throat, or the main hopper, an oscillator; bar pivoted to' the.- framework, a cam element at each end of said bar, saidf bar. being oscillated. by contact; with. the. feed transfer: hopper when. the: latter is at the: end of each of its sliding movement, a vibrator-connected with, each mold: and with said oscillator bar whereby each vibrator is sequentially operated when. they feed transfer hopper reaches each end. of. its reciprocations, means. for lifting the molded articles from each mold to the level of the platform and means for removing said articles from the machine.

4. A block: forming: machine comprising a framework, a. main hopper having a. discha ge throat and mounted on, said framework and containing aggregate, a. platform. secured to said framework beneath the; main hopper,. a feed transfer hopper slidable, on said platform, said last named hopper having two compartments therein, means; for automatically reciprocating the feed transfer hopper so that each. compartment thereof: aligns alternately with. the discharge throat. of: the; main hopperto. receive aggregate therefrom, a. pair of molds. beneath. the platform. spaced on each sideof. the. vertical axis of said framework such distance that one of said molds is always aligned with one compartment of the feed transfer hopper to receive the aggregate discharge therefrom while the other compartment is aligned with the throat of the. main hopper, an agitating grid mounted in each compartment, means for actuating one of said grids when one of the compartments discharges into its associated mold, a vibrator for each of said molds, means for actuating the vibrator of one mold 13 when the feed transfer hopper reaches the end of its reciprocations proximate to said mold, means for lifting the molded articles from each mold, sequentially, to the level of the platform and means for removing said articles from the machine.

5. A block forming machine comprising a framework, a main hopper having a discharge throat mounted on said framework and containing aggregate, a platform secured to said framework beneath the main hopper, a feed transfer hopper slidable on said platform, said last named hopper having two compartments therein, means for automatically reciprocating the feed transfer hopper so that each compartment thereof aligns alternately with the discharge throat of the main hopper to receive the aggregate therefrom, a pair of molds beneath the platform spaced on each side of the vertical axis of the framework such distance that one of said molds is always aligned with one compartment of the feed transfer hopper to receive the aggregate therefrom while the other compartment is aligned with the throat of the main hopper, means for agitating the aggregate fed to each mold, means for vibrating aggregate in each mold as it is raised, and means.

for. removing the molded articles from the machine.

CHARLES KEPLER BROWN, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the idle of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 866,999 Avram Sept. 24, 1907 2,193,879 Muenzer Mar, 19, 1940 2,279,829 Wellnitz Jan. 20, 1942 2,308,132 Wellnitz Jan. 12, 1943 7 2,360,122 Gel bman Oct. 10, 1944 2,398,146 Kerfoot Apr. 9, 1946 2,470,377 Shepeck May 17, 1949 

